Harry Potter website Pottermore hit by scammers

Harry Potter fans eager to get an early look at Pottermore, the virtual world created by JK Rowling, are being targeted by online scammers.

Pottermore.com allows fans of the wizardry saga to view interactive features on each of the seven Harry Potter volumes, designed by J.K. Rowling, while users can also upload their own content and drawings.

Harry Potter fans who can’t wait to access Pottermore have been targeted by scammers.

Millions of beta test account registrations have been handed out through a competition, and despite it being expressly prohibited in the Magic Quill promotion terms and conditions, many are keen to buy beta registrations on sites such eBay.

However, it seems that scammers are cybercriminals have been setting up auctions for fake accounts, as well as spamming the internet with promises of previews and early access, which can result in malware and trojan infections, according to online security firm GFI Software.

Pottermore have now blogged the following warning: ‘Please do not buy, sell, or transfer Pottermore early access accounts.

‘Obtaining beta registration for Pottermore with the intent of selling on those registration details for monetary gain â¦ deprives genuine fans the chance to gain early access.’

The final movie instalment of the saga, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, has helped make the films are the highest-grossing franchise of all time, taking taken more than $7 billion (£4.27 billion) at the box office worldwide.